Raw Energy Bars

My primary form of exercise for the last year has been Barre- it’s an amazing full body workout and actually makes working out fun. For the first time in my life I have arm muscles and real abs! I am not just saying this to try to force my friends to do Barre with me, this is relevant to my energy bar recipe! Sometimes I need a little pre-Barre fuel, or a well-deserved post-workout treat (or both…) but I have struggled in finding an energy bar that a) tastes good, b) doesn’t cost >$2 a bar, and c) doesn’t have a bunch of crap/unrecognizable ingredients.  Although my cookie dough bites sometimes fit the bill, I wanted something higher in protein and a bit less sweet.

For all those who care: these energy bars are raw, vegan, and grain-free. They are packed with healthy omega-3s, protein, fiber, and antioxidants- perfect to get me through a workout or satiate me after until my next meal. These take just 10 minutes to make and consist of only a few ingredients- such a simple little energy-filled snack!

Note: The bars I made are very thin, but if you want a more typical bar shape, just double the recipe but use the same size pan.

Enjoy! Hopefully this recipe not only inspires you to try these super-easy bars but also to get up and move (preferably Barre)! 🙂

Ingredients (double these for thicker bars):

• 1 cup walnut halves/pieces
• 1/3 cup flax seeds
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup pepitas
• 2 tbsp agave
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 tsp sea salt

Directions:

1. Place walnuts in food processor and pulse until ground.
2. Add agave and vanilla and pulse until mixed.
3. Add the flax seeds, cranberries, and pepitas and pulse until mixed (may want to leave small pieces of cranberries and pepitas for texture).
4. *If the mixture is not sticking together well, you may add more agave or pulse in a few dates or dried figs.
5. Press the mixture into a 9×9 baking pan, trying to make as even as possible.
6. Sprinkle top with sea salt.
7. Cover pan and stick in freezer for an hour or so to let firm.
8. Cut into squares and enjoy! (Keep bars in freezer or refrigerator until ready to eat.)